Bhadohi Carpets Shine in India's New Parliament: CM Yogi Highlights UP's Global Footprint

Marking National Handloom Day with high energy and visionary announcements, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a grand gathering of artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs in Lucknow. Highlighting the historic significance of August 7, 1905—when the Swadeshi movement first shattered the shackles of colonial slavery—the Chief Minister emphasized that the handloom sector represents much more than an industry; it is the beating heart of India's cultural heritage and self-reliance. During the event, CM Yogi honored state master weavers with the prestigious 'Saint Kabir State Level Handloom Award' and rolled out sweeping financial welfare measures, noting that the textile industry stands as the largest employment generator after agriculture in Uttar Pradesh.

Empowering Millions and Providing ₹109 Crore in Electricity Benefits

The handloom and powerloom sectors in Uttar Pradesh serve as the primary economic backbone for roughly 2.5 lakh families, translating to nearly 14 to 15 lakh individuals directly dependent on the craft. When powerloom sectors are factored in, this livelihood network expands to support more than 3 million citizens across the state. Emphasizing the government's unwavering commitment to uplifting these communities without bureaucratic hurdles, CM Yogi highlighted that last year alone, electricity-related relief and benefits worth ₹109 crore were extended directly to over 40,000 traditional artisans, ensuring they can manufacture without heavy financial stress.

From Defunct Clusters to Global Glory: The Rise of Bhadohi Carpets

Reflecting on the remarkable economic transformation of the state, the Chief Minister pointed to the carpet cluster in Bhadohi, which was on the verge of collapse prior to 2017 due to official neglect and poor infrastructure. Today, through targeted government interventions, export markets, and the establishment of a dedicated carpet expo center supported by the Central Government, Bhadohi exports carpets worth hundreds of crores globally. In a moment of immense pride for the state, exquisite carpets crafted in Bhadohi were chosen for installation in India's new Parliament building. Similar growth hubs have flourished across Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Barabanki, Azamgarh, Mau, and Mirzapur, elevating local craftsmanship onto the world stage.

Driving Innovation, PM Mitra Park, and Women Empowerment

To ensure state artisans thrive in modern competitive global markets, the Uttar Pradesh government is actively bridging traditional skills with futuristic technology, advanced design techniques, and superior packaging standards:

• PM Mitra Park and Textile Parks: A massive PM Mitra Park is currently being established across 1,000 acres in Lucknow, alongside five upcoming textile parks named after Saint Kabir to scale up production and employment.

• Skill Development and Scholarships: Institutions like the Trade Facilitation Center in Varanasi are actively training youth, with hundreds of students receiving specialized scholarships in design, technology, and export packaging last year.

• Empowering Women Artisans: A remarkable highlight of the state's handloom renaissance is that over 70 percent of the workforce employed in this sector comprises women, fostering grassroots financial independence.

Concluding his address, CM Yogi noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly gifts authentic Uttar Pradesh handicrafts to global heads of state during international visits—a supreme testament to the dignity, quality, and global recognition that local artisans have reclaimed under visionary leadership.